Playbill | Meet the Creative and Production Team
MIA SELF
Director
Mia is the assistant director of acting and directing at North Carolina State University. She has a BA in theatre from Catawba College and an MFA in directing from the University of Mississippi. Mia worked as a professional actor, voice and text coach, playwright, and director around the Southeast and Midwest before beginning her career in theatre education in 2004. She is a proud board member of the North Carolina Theatre Conference (NCTC).
MICHAEL SANTANGELO
Musical Director
Michael is so happy to be working with the wonderful cast, crew, and orchestra of Seussical! Past credits include Jekyll & Hyde (NC State University Theatre), Disney’s High School Musical On Tour, Breaking Up is Hard to Do(Branson Production) Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer (Tuacahn – MD) High School Musical (TOTS – MD), Meshuggah Nuns (Gateway Playhouse – Keys), Jesus Christ Superstar (NCT – Associate MD), Sister Act (NCT – Keys), Altar Boys (NCT – Keys), A Chorus Line (NCT- Keys/Programming) and The Little Mermaid (NCT – Keys). Local/educational productions include In The Heights (NCT Conservatory – MD), Jesus Christ Superstar(NCT Conservatory – MD), Crazy for You (NCT Conservatory – MD), Divas! (RLT – MD), The Last Five Years(RLT – MD), Sister Act (RLT – MD), Little Shop of Horrors (RLT – MD), and Title of Show (NRACT – MD) Michael is a graduate of the Crane School of Music. Thanks to NC State for sharing this production with its audiences and thanks so much to my family and to my husband Bryan. Without them, nothing would be possible.
JESS BARBOUR
Choreographer
Jess holds a BFA in theatre from Elon University and studied at The William Esper Studio in NYC. This is her 3rd year choreographing for NCSU and 60th show she’s choreographed in her career. When she’s not at the theatre, she wears many hats as an SP trainer for the American Board of Anesthesiology and acting producing artistic director for North Raleigh Arts and Creative Theatre. Break a leg to this wonderful cast and crew! Strong and wrong and fail boldly!
JAYME MELLEMA
Scenic Designer
Jayme is the resident scenic designer, instructor, and theatre artist for North Carolina State’s University Theatre. Select designs at University Theatre include Ragtime, Men on Boats, Our Town, Bright Star, Cabaret, The Royal Family, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Love/Sick, The Secret Garden, The 39 Steps, Around the World in 80 Days, Little Shop of Horrors, The Burial at Thebes, The Heidi Chronicles, Chicago, and Rent. Jayme has also worked as a freelance designer for such venues as The Peabody Institute – Johns Hopkins University, North Carolina Theatre Conservatory, The Princeton Festival, Wolftrap Opera, The Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, Guilford College, Duke University, and Calvin University. As a theatre artist and creator, Jayme has also been a projection designer, writer, director, devisor, puppet creator, and an alternative reality experience collaborator. He earned his MFA in Scenic Design from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and prior to becoming a designer he was a professional scenic artist. jaymemellema.com
LAURA J. PARKER
Costume, Hair and Makeup Design
Laura has been with University Theatre since 2010. She has been designing and creating costumes for theatrical productions and historic re-enactors since 1999, with a focus on historically accurate clothing reproductions and historically inspired fantasy costuming. Previously, Ms. Parker was the resident costume designer and instructor of costume design at William Peace University. Her favorite costume design credits for University Theatre include Peter and the Starcatcher, The Spongebob Musical, Ragtime, Urinetown, Cabaret, The 39 Steps, and Jekyll & Hyde. An actor as well, she has designed or performed with area theaters including Honest Pint Theatre Company, Raleigh Little Theatre, Sweet Tea Shakespeare, Henderson Rec Players, South Stream Productions, and Bare Theatre. Ms. Parker holds a Bachelor of arts in anthropology from Georgia State University and a Juris Doctorate from North Carolina Central University.
ROBYN WARFIELD
Lighting Design
Robyn holds an MFA with scenographic traditions from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in design concentrating in lighting and scenery. Prior to her becoming part of the University Theatre staff, she was the resident lighting designer and master electrician for the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. She was an integral part of the creative team for a new hip hop musical, Grimmz Fairytales, which was nominated for the 87th Drama League Awards in Outstanding Digital Theatre, Individual Production, for its filmed version during the winter of 2020. While at the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, she had the pleasure to design and assist many shows that are new works that promote kindness and the ability to see growth and strength in each and every person including oneself. Not just working in Theatre for Young Audiences, she started out at theatre companies like Shakespeare & Company in Lenox MA, that concentrate on classical and contemporary works. Robyn has also designed for various dance companies in the Northeast. rkwdesign.com
ERIC ALEXANDER COLLINS
Sound Design
Bio goes here. Bio goes here. Bio goes here. Bio goes here. Bio goes here. Bio goes here…
DAVID JENSEN
Technical Director
David has been working at University Theatre since 2002. David attended Appalachian State University and UNC-Greensboro, where he studied theatrical design and production. He worked in Atlanta for seven years as a freelance theatre carpenter and technical director at most of the theaters in the metro area as well as many exhibit/design shops. David would like to remind everyone that the Arts NC State programs are open to any NC State student — Get involved!
YI CHEN
Associate Musical Director
Yi is a PhD student in electrical engineering. He graduated from Duke University in 2022 where he majored in electrical engineering, computer science, and music. Yi enjoys performing and conducting choral music and is a member of NC State Chorale, Choral Artists, and Chamber Singers. Yi also volunteers as a mission pilot for Civil Air Patrol.
LU MARTIN
Stage Manager
Lu is a sophomore in marine science. They have been on several showl crews at University Theatre – Peter and the Starcatcher, Jekyll & Hyde and Mr. Burns, A Post Electric Play. Lu hopes you all enjoy the show!
BRIANNE CRAWFORD
Assistant Stage Manager
Brianne is a 4th year in computer engineering. She has participated in multiple shows at University Theatre including as the stage manager for Ada and the Engine, assistant stage manager for Teletype, and production assistant for Mr. Burns, A Post Electric Play. Brianne is a member of Alpha Psi Omega (APO) where they do service in the theatre community. She would like to thank her family and friends who continue to encourage and support her passion for theatre. Brianne hopes you all enjoy the show!
CELIA FENNELL
Assistant Stage Manager
Celia is a junior in fashion and textile management. She has worked backstage in multiple shows at University Theatre including being a dresser/wardrobe head for the Crucible, Urinetown and Mr. Burns, A Post Electric Play. She would like to thank her family, friends and pets who continue to encourage and support her. She hopes you all enjoy the show!
THEO STEWART
Assistant Stage Manager
Theo is a second-year student in psychology and sociology. This will be his second full show crewing. Previous credits include stage management for Teletype and QuickSCRIPTS. He would like to thank his friends and family for their support!
ELOISE WESCOTT
Assistant Stage Manager
Eloise is a freshman in political science. She is making their debut at University Theatre. Previous show credits include Stage Manager in Clue, Stage Manager in Shrek, Puppet Master in Little Shop of Horrors at Riverside High School. She would like to thank their family and friends who continue to encourage and support her passion for theatre. Eloise hopes you all enjoy the show!